If the comments by 17-year-old Salanieta Bueserau are anything to go by then Savusavu certainly has a show on their hands.
Bueserau, a 15-year-old 2015 Kaila Star Search finalist is one of a number of talents that are gearing up for the Mini-Savusavu Music festival which is set to rock the Hidden Paradise this month.
Vude queen Laisa Vulakoro and her Vude Vibes band, jazzman and guitar virtuoso Tom Mawi along with a plethora of artists including “Vude Prince” Savuto Vakadewavosa are lining up for the Savusavu jam fest to be launched at the Koro Sun Resort along the picturesque Hibiscus Highway.
Vulakoro is rapt about delivering dynamic local performances to the music hungry of Savusavu who have been starved of bona fide live acts for some time.
“I think Savusavu people can expect nothing but the best,” declared Vulakoro, who will spearhead the two-day music fest.
The event features live performances at various venues within Savusavu between November 26 and 27.
“Savusavu is always a special place to perform and we are definitely going to give them a performance to remember.”
Vulakoro will be performing a number of songs taken from her newly released album Bitu Kavoro, an all original compilation that has thrown one of Fiji’s most well-known vocalists back into the limelight.
This is a revival of sorts of the event which was launched by Koro Sun Resort a number of years ago and that initially involved artists from around the region.
The event, which is co-sponsored by The Fiji Times, will now feature a diverse array of talents including some of the most experienced musicians in Mawi in Fiji as well as young dance acts like Jed Taylor.
“These people are real musicians who play everywhere and I am so honoured to be accompanying them on this trip,” said guitar elder statesman Mawi.
“Savusavu people can expect a good show as well to make sure there is a little something for everyone,” he said.
The event will also feature song and dance performances by Aca Lewas, an all-girl vocal group a creative arts ensemble borne from the University of the South Pacific’s Oceania Arts Centre.
Vilisi Nuqa of Aca Lewas is looking forward to the group’s first foray into the Northern Division which they are using it to help motivate and empower young women and men through creative arts.
“We hope to be an inspiration to all the girls in Savusavu,” said Nuqa.
“Don’t limit yourself in your abilities and if you’re not academically inclined, be sure to tap into your talents, be it dancing or singing,” she said.
Youngsters Bueserau and Asinate Niumataiwalu are very excited at the prospect of delivering their first live performances outside of the Kaila Star quest.
Vulakoro handpicked the duo having realised their potential, despite not making the final cut at The Fiji Times sponsored talent show.
“We are really grateful to Laisa for giving us the chance to show our capabilities on a live stage,” said Lakeba, Lau native, Niumataiwalu.
“Singing is always something I have wanted to do professionally and I have set my mind on making this my career,” said the 18- year-old.
The youngsters who attended John Wesley College together and were best friends never envisioned on open day that they would be performing together in a professional setting.
“It’s kind of weird but we were best friends in school and we’re both into singing. I guess fate brought us together again,” said Ballantine Memorial School seventh former Bueserau.
Vulakoro has, in recent times, grown in her role as a mentor to up and coming vocalists and always relishes the chance to nurture potential talent.
The Savusavu event is also being used to raise awareness about domestic violence given the fact that annually, the Northern Division normally records the highest number of cases of spousal violence in the country.
“This will be a great opportunity to discuss this important issue and we’re just happy to help raise awareness and there is no better way to that than on stage with live performers,” said Vulakoro.
“We want to say a big vinaka to Koro Sun Resort for reviving this event and for other sponsors like Patterson Brothers for helping with the transportation of musicians. This would not be possible without their support.”
* Tickets for the Savusavu-Mini Music Festival are available with Koro Sun Resort :
Show entry fee: $25.00 per person per night; Dinner & Show is $75.00 per person/per night.
Tickets are very limited because of property size. Only prior bookings will be accepted.
All show proceeds will go towards charity in partnership with “Rise Beyond Reef”, an NGO focused with particular attention on the cause for women.
Sponsors: Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa, Patterson Shipping and the Savusavu Town Council.
